Page 181 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

He shrugged me off, but I wasn’t letting him go.

“Kaylani, this is not something that can be hidden. What were you thinking? Why didn’t you take care of this?”

Fury overtook me, and I slapped my father across the face so hard that it stunned us both. The sting in my hand erasing the fear and reminded me of who I am. I jabbed a finger at him, the rage and fear mingling into a single, potent cocktail.

“Don’t you dare say that. This is my child we’re talking about, not some boardroom deal you want fixed.”

It was so silent between us as we squared off that all I could hear was the pounding of my heart.

He pointed at the door.

“What do you think Julian and his family will do when they find out you are carrying another man’s child?”

“If you hadn’t forced me into this marriage it never would’ve been a problem. But, they won’t, I have it figured out.”

Father shook his head and stepped back from me, but desperation drove me to clamp onto the front of his suit.

“Please…Father. If there is any part of you that still loves me, then you will keep this secret.”

He averted his gaze, jaw tight. The lump in my throat felt like glass shredding my insides.

“We have been at odds and I’ve been very angry with you, but you were my hero once, and I need you to be that again.”

Tears rolled down my cheeks as I clung to his jacket.

“I will marry Julian, and he will never know. I will make sure of it. But this is me, your daughter, begging you not to take this sliver of happiness away from me. I already lost the love of my life. Don’t crush my heart. Don’t do this to your grandchild.”

I searched his face, my entire body trembling. The hard lines finally softened just a fraction. There was a beat. A moment where everything slowed. No bathroom. No family war. No, marrying Julian. Just me and my father.

The door opened, and Julian stepped inside.

“Is everything okay in here?”

The moment shattered as the party sounds crashed back in, and I jerked back like I had been struck.

Father gently held my hands as he eased them away from his jacket.

“Yes, Julian, everything is fine,” Father said with a practiced smile. “Kaylani ate something at lunch that didn’t agree with her. Can you give us a few more minutes?”

“Alright, but don’t be long. Everyone is waiting.”

The door closed with a thud.

“Arrogant asshole,” Father muttered, and I couldn’t help but grin at the irony.

“Does this mean⁠—”

“I won’t say anything, but you must ensure he never finds out. Julian does not forgive humiliation. If he learns of your deception, more than just your life and reputation will be at stake.”

Relief washed over me. I wrapped my arms around my father, hugging him the way I had when I was a little girl.

“Thank you, Dad.”

“Please don’t say you never want to see me again. I know marrying Julian is not easy, but I can’t lose you forever. You’re still my daughter, and even though I don’t show it well, I love you.”

The tears continued to flow as we embraced.

“Shh, that’s enough now. You’ll ruin your makeup.”